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Taking pasta from boring to epic takes very little time and effort with this simple recipe for cottage cheese spaghetti!
Jarred Cottage Cheese Spaghetti Sauce
Sometimes, when I have a little more time, I make my cottage cheese pasta from scratch or even cottage cheese lasagna, but for nights when I’m in a hurry, this cottage cheese tomato sauce saves the day!
Sometimes we eat it plain, other times tossed with chicken pieces I cook in a pan. It’s versatile, and it makes me feel like I’ve got it together since my kids devour it without complaints. You can also add cottage cheese to chicken alfredo!
How to Elevate Jarred Pasta Sauce
Want to make your pasta sauce feel like homemade? Sauté a finely chopped onion and 2 garlic cloves for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Then, add the pasta sauce to the skillet. This simple step will elevate any jar!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Tomato Sauce with a Jarred Sauce
You’re three steps away from the most epic and easy cottage cheese spaghetti! Check out the simple process and my tips to give this pasta sauce the perfect texture:
- Cook the pasta following the package directions. Once ready, reserve ½ cup of pasta water. You’ll use it later to thin the sauce.
- Blend the cottage cheese to yield a smooth texture that mixes well with the tomato sauce.
- Combine the tomato sauce and blended cottage cheese with the spaghetti. It will be thick. To thin it out, add some reserved pasta water until you get the desired consistency.
Does Cottage Cheese Melt in Sauce?
Cottage cheese doesn’t melt directly in the sauce; that’s why it needs to be blended first. Once blended and smooth, it will combine perfectly with the jarred tomato sauce.
How Much Protein is in Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce
Each serving of spaghetti with cottage cheese tomato sauce contains about 20 grams of protein, making this pasta dinner a high-protein meal by simply including cottage cheese in the sauce!
Cottage Cheese Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of spaghetti
- 24 ounce jar of marinara sauce
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
Prep:
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the spaghetti according to package directions. When the pasta is ready, reserve ½ cup of pasta water, drain the water out, and add it back into the pot.
- Blend the cottage cheese in your blender until it’s smooth.
Combine:
- Once the pasta is cooked, pour the jarred pasta sauce and the smooth cottage cheese over the top. Use kitchen tongs and toss to mix. The sauce will be thick. If it's too thick to your liking, slowly the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Serve:
- Divide the pasta into bowls and serve with parmesan cheese over the top.
Notes
- Elevate your jarred pasta sauce by sautéing a chopped onion and 2 garlic cloves in a skillet for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are translucent. Then, add the jarred pasta sauce and cottage cheese and combine into a sauce. Add the spaghetti and toss to combine. Add the pasta water to achieve the consistency you like.
- This pasta dish is also perfect tossed with chicken pieces you’ve cooked in a pan.
Herose Nicole says
This is new to me. I never heard of having a cottage cheese in a spaghetti, I would like to try this.
Kat says
Blending the cheese is a brilliant way to keep the texture smooth while still getting that extra creaminess in the red sauce. Reserving the pasta water to thin it out makes a massive difference for the consistency.
Maureen says
You got me at spaghetti! It’s favorite family here and we cook it almost every week. But I have never tried cottage cheese spaghetti and it sounds like a great alternative. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Beth says
You are a mad scientist genius, and I love it! This is so good and the cottage cheese gives it such a lovely texture.
jerry godinho says
This cottage cheese spaghetti idea is such a clever way to bring extra protein and creaminess to a classic pasta night without feeling heavy. Thank you for making it feel both approachable and nourishing. I love how you turn simple ingredients into something comforting that the whole family can enjoy, especially when weeknights are busy, and dinner needs to be both quick and satisfying. Your recipes always inspire me to get creative in the kitchen and try new twists on old favorites.